POLICE today issued a fresh appeal to drivers who may have spotted a Merseyside dad in the hours before he died.

Kevin Monteith, 42, was found in the driveway of his home in Holt Lane, Rainhill, at around 10.30pm on Saturday.

He suffered serious head injuries after apparently being beaten and died at the scene some time later.

Just three-and-a-half hours earlier, he was enjoying a drink with relatives at his local pub, the Holt Hotel.

Police said it was part of his normal weekend routine, which he followed every Saturday.

Mr Monteith often went to watch his family play football, return to the pub for a drink, watch a match on television and then return home to make himself a meal. Detectives think the electrician completed the 600-metre walk from the pub to his home on the night of his death.

They believe for some reason, he then went outside and was attacked near his driveway.

Detective Chief Inspector Karen Cummings, of Merseyside police, said: “Inquiries are still ongoing and we are keeping an open mind to what has occurred.

“I am very keen to speak to drivers who came along Holt Lane, travelling between Warrington Road and Two Butt Lane.

“It is a busy route and there are a lot of pubs in the area. Even if a driver has not seen anything, it would help to establish a timeframe.

“There are a number of potential lines of inquiry which are being explored. This is a devastating set of circumstances.

“Mr Monteith was popular and had many friends who describe him and his family as lovely. They are devastated.”

A man, 21, was arrested and bailed pending further inquiries.

Police said they are aware of no previous disputes or fall-outs which could suggest a motive for the killing.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0151-777 8603 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.